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United Arab Emirates-based firm Camelicious says it is only waiting on checks by EU health and hygiene inspectors and hopes to begin exports to Europe next year.

Mutasher Al-Badry, deputy general manager of the company, said: "It is a niche market.

"We don't expect to compete with cow's milk but we know there are lots of people who want to enjoy the health benefits of camel milk and we are confident that the EU will give us approval."

He said he was in talks with health food and speciality stores, including Harrods, about future sales of the product, which is already consumed in the Middle East, parts of Africa and India.

Camelicious produces 5,000 litres a day, less than even one per cent of Europe's daily milk consumption.

Camel's milk is about two per cent fat, compared to four per cent in cow's milk, is lower in cholesterol and has five times as much Vitamin C.

Studies in India showed it also contains high levels of insulin and helped sufferers of Type 2 diabetes by reducing their reliance on injections.

However, it is watery compared to cow's milk and is said to taste salty.

Ray Smith, manager of the Oasis Camel Centre in Norfolk, said: "Camels are very approachable if they have been neutered but otherwise the males can get very aggressive in the mating season, kicking, biting and spitting.

"In many countries with lower welfare standards the female camels are just used for their milk while the males are used for work and then eaten. Camel meat is very lean."

A spokesman for Holland & Barrett, which sells the current superfood fad, coconut water, said: "We've not yet been approached to sell camel's milk, but are always interested in hearing from companies who supply innovative products with proven health benefits. "

A spokesman for Diabetes UK said: "Even if camel's milk is high in insulin, people with diabetes should not think that this could have benefits for their diabetes management.

"Even if the insulin in the milk did work, it would have to be taken in very specific quantities at certain times of the day otherwise people with diabetes would be at greater risk of low and high blood glucose levels."